The Taj Story is one of those films that tries to look at something we’ve all seen a thousand times, the Taj Mahal and ask, “what if there’s more to it?” Helmed by Tushar Amrish Goel, the film follows a middle-aged Agra tour guide, played by Paresh Rawal, whose simple life spirals out of control after a video of him questioning the Taj’s origins goes viral. What starts as a moment of curiosity soon becomes a full-blown national debate, pushing him into a courtroom and forcing him to defend not just his words but his right to ask questions.
The story moves from the streets of Agra to a heated courtroom where Rawal’s character argues his case against official historians and legal experts. Along the way, the film touches on themes of history, faith, and freedom of expression — how much of what we know is fact, and how much is belief?
Paresh Rawal brings depth to his role like always, making his character feel real and relatable. Zakir Hussain plays the opposing counsel with quiet intensity, and Amruta Khanvilkar adds a modern touch as a filmmaker documenting the chaos. The cinematography by Satyajit Hajarnis beautifully captures the Taj Mahal and the city’s mood, grounding the film in a sense of place.
The Taj Story is more about the importance of asking questions. It reminds you that history isn’t just what’s written in books — it’s also what people remember, argue about, and feel deeply connected to. It’s a thoughtful attempt to turn a monument into a mirror, reflecting the conversations we’re still learning to have.
IWMBuzz rates it 3 stars.
